Worldwide Food Tour – Gambia

Domoda is a rich and hearty West African stew, particularly popular in The Gambia where it’s often considered the national dish. The star ingredient is ground peanuts (groundnuts) or peanut butter, which creates a thick, creamy sauce base.

The stew typically combines meat (commonly beef, lamb, or chicken) with a blend of tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The peanut-based sauce is enhanced with tomato paste and a mix of spices. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes are often added, making it a complete one-pot meal. Some versions include hot peppers for added heat.

The taste is complex and satisfying – simultaneously nutty, savory, and slightly sweet from the natural sweetness of the peanuts. The meat becomes tender through slow cooking, while the sauce develops a velvety texture that’s perfect for serving over rice.

As for its history, Domoda reflects the importance of groundnuts in West African cuisine and culture. Peanuts were introduced to Africa by Portuguese traders in the 16th century and quickly became a staple crop. The dish exemplifies how African cooks masterfully incorporated this “new” ingredient into their traditional cooking methods, creating something entirely unique and deeply flavorful.

I’m not sure what I did wrong here – but the peanut flavor didn’t really come through – all I tasted were the spices. I sourced the recipe from a cook in the country so I tried to be as authentic as possible. It’s not something I think I’ll make again but it was interesting to get a feel for West African cuisines.